Patent Application
20220309537
Any and all applications, if any, for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet of the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
This invention generally relates to the reservation of public access locations and, more particularly, to a system and method for using mobile platforms to reserve and occupy publically accessible stationary locations.
Market research shows that outdoor billboard marketing space has increasingly become harder to find and, hence, more valuable. At the same time, automotive vehicles are one of the most costly expenses incurred by the average consumer. Ironically, most automobiles sit idle for a large portion of the day. U.S. Pat. No. 10,796,340, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETING THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA FROM A MOBILE PLATFORM, invented by Peter Ta et al., and filed on Oct. 14, 2019, addresses to problem of finding more outdoor advertising space by providing an automotive targeted parking system that adds to an automobile the additional feature of a media display subsystem, and which may also include a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) access point (hotspot).
While the above-described system addresses the provision of additional outdoor advertising through the “gig economy” use of automobiles, the act of parking remains a potential issue. Parking in many desirable advertising locations in metropolitan areas is often limited to one or two hours only. Further, the necessity of frequently changing parking spots can become a burden and may make the use of their automobile as a mobile media center impractical for some owners.
Parent U.S. Pat. No. 10,991,007, entitled AERIAL BILLBOARD, invented by Peter Ta et al., and filed on Sep. 17, 2020, provides for the use of aircraft, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as another type of media platform.
Parent U.S. Pat. No. 11,037,199, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GIG VEHICLE PARKING, invented by Peter Ta et al., and filed on Oct. 15, 2020, describes a publically accessible access point that reports its enablement and position at a targeted parking position.
Parent U.S. Pat. No. 11,138,634, entitled GIG VEHICLE PARKING, invented by Peter Ta et al., with a filing date of May 6, 2021, describes a system that permits agents to deliver selected mobile platforms to corresponding locations.
Parent U.S. Pat. No. 11,138,635, entitled MOBILE MEDIA TOPPER, invented by Peter Ta et al., with a filing date of May 10, 2021, describes a media projection topper that receives a reward in response to reporting the durations of time that a media-presenting vehicle is stationary.
Parent U.S. Pat. No. 11,138,635, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COORDINATED MOBILE MEDIA PROJECTION, with a filing date of Feb. 19, 2021, describes a system for coordinated multiple media projection system to present an integrated display from selected parking locations.
Parent U.S. Pat. No. 11,270,349, entitled PORTABLE BILLBOARD, filed on Apr. 14, 2021, provides a portable media projection subsystem that reports its enablement and stationary location at a selected weighted value target location.
It would be advantageous if desirable publically accessible locations and parking spots could be efficiently reserved. It would be advantageous if mobile units parked in reserved locations could be used to present media messages, provide public services, such as temporary lockers, or be taken possession of by clients.
A system and method are disclosed herein for an online dashboard that permits the reservation of a publically accessible stationary location, such as a parking spot along a public highway, a parking lot, or a parking ramp. In some aspects, the dashboard also permits the selection of mobile unit types, media messages to be presented, and/or the times that the stationary location is to be occupied by a reserving mobile unit. The system may also determine a value assigned to the locations or other of the above-mentioned characteristics.
If the reserved mobile units are used to present media, their media projection subsystems can be distinguished from conventional signage in their ability the measure the efficacy of the projected media, and/or access point (AP) communications, and/or cellular boosted communications. One measurement is location, as some locations attract more attention than others. Another measurement is actual enablement, meaning the times and duration that the media is actually seen by the public. To encourage efficient deployment, the entities contracting for or managing the media projection subsystems are rewarded based upon these efficacy measurements. Being portable, the media projection subsystems may act as an advertising platform that seeks to expand and capture market share within the outdoor advertising market segment by directing the selective deployment of media to preferred target locations. The system may transmit the following information: (i) a unique identifier for the device in use (for example, radio-frequency identification), (ii) the time, date, duration, and location (using global positioning satellite (GPS) or cellular triangulation systems), (iii) an indication that the media unit is occupying the assigned location, and (iv) an indication that the media projection subsystem, WLAN/WPAN access point, cellular booster, or Internet booster is in use. Graphic information system (GIS) mapping technology may be used to compensate a person or business entity associated with the system for operating in specified locations.
Accordingly, a method is provided for reserving publically accessible real estate locations. The method uses a site table to list a plurality of publically accessible stationary locations. In one aspect, the site table cross-references stationary locations to weighted values. The site table accepts stationary location requests and then supplies location reservation directions to a mobile unit, for a selected location. A mobile unit accepts reservation directions and occupies the selected location. The mobile unit makes a determination of its geographic location and transmits the geographic location, and also sends an acknowledgement that the mobile unit occupies the selected location. The mobile unit may be a self-powered vehicle, towable vehicle, portable station, ground vehicle, nautical vehicle, and airborne vehicle. The site table may optionally cross-reference publically accessible stationary locations to types of mobile units.
In one aspect, the site table sends occupation instructions for a first mobile unit receiving direction instructions so that possession of the first mobile unit occurs as a result of the occupation instructions. For example, the mobile unit may be a recreational vehicle that a client wishes to take possession of at a particular location. The mobile unit may transmit an acknowledgement that possession has occurred. In another aspect, subsequent to possession of the first mobile unit, the client is permitted to drive and/or move the mobile unit to a new location.
In one variation the site table assigns stationary locations to mobile units, prior to their potential selection. Subsequent to a mobile unit moving to an assigned stationary location, it transmits an acknowledgement to the site table and the site table is updated to list the first mobile unit as being positioned at the assigned location. Alternatively, mobile units are assigned to locations, after the locations have been selected by a client.
The reserving mobile unit may also be used to transceive publically accessible communications using a device such as a cellular telephone local booster, Internet booster, an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and/or IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) access point (AP). The mobile units may also be used to project media messages using a media projection subsystem.
In another aspect, the site table receives messages from mobile units indicating the occupation, or the intended occupation, of an independently selected stationary location. That is, the stationary location is selected by the mobile unit, as opposed to being selected by the site table. The site table then updates listings to include the addition of the independently selected stationary locations. In another variation, the site table accepts requests for adding of a suggested stationary location to the site table, a suggested mobile unit to the site table, or a suggested stationary location cross-referencing a suggested mobile unit to the site table. The site table updates the listing in response to the requests, if they are accepted. A scouting subsystem, including a roving car, drone, or parking meter monitoring service, may determine the occupation status of stationary locations and report the occupation status to the site table. The site table then updates its listings to note the occupation status of the stationary locations.
In one aspect, the mobile units may transmit local environmental data such as photo/video images, sounds, weather, odors, photodetection, chemical analysis, wireless spectrum analysis, wireless service traffic analysis, radioactivity analysis, and combinations thereof. The site table may then update the weighted values of locations in response to the local environmental data.
Additional details of the above-described method and a system for reserving publically accessible real estate locations are provided below.
As shown, the system 100 and site table subsystem 102 are enabled as a sequence of processor executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory 104. The site table subsystem 102 is associated with a database that includes site table 103. As is the case with the other types of tables presented below, the tables can alternatively be enabled with combinational hardware logic, or even be enabled as physical elements (e.g., paper or blackboards) managed by human operators. However, software enablement is likely to be the most efficient means of management. Thus, the overall system includes a processor 106 and an operating system (OS) 108 stored in memory 104. The site table subsystem interface is enabled through a system bus 110, connected to the memory 104, the processor 106, a peripherals interface 112, and a network 114. The network 114 may consist of hardwired (e.g., Ethernet), as well as wireless links (e.g., cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth). The network 114 may be connected to a user device 116 (e.g., a smartphone or desktop computer), which may be the source of the location selections. In some cases the location selections may be sourced by the mobile unit 118, or by a locally connected peripheral input/output (I/O) subsystem 120 (e.g., a display, mouse, and keyboard).
The non-transitory memories described herein may be any type or form of non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of memories include, without limitation, Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not required, in certain embodiments, the system described herein may include both a volatile memory unit and a non-volatile storage device. The memory may be implemented as shared memory and/or distributed memory in a network device.
As is common in many computer systems or servers, processor 106 is connected to the bus line 110 to pull operating instructions from operating system 108 and software applications in memory 104, and manage communications between the various components of computer. For ease of understanding, the above-described functions have been described as individual components. However, it should be understood that in practice, multiple functions may be performed by a single device, subsystem, or software application. It should be understood that computer systems are well understood by persons with ordinary skill in the art, and in the interest of brevity, details of their operation have been omitted.
For convenience, all the above-mentioned components are shown embedded as a single schematic block, but it should be understood that these components are not necessarily embedded in a single hardware unit or server, or in communication with each other. Alternatively, the software applications may be cooperating components of an overall software system. The server may also represent a network of servers in communication with each other.
Returning to
In some aspects, the mobile unit 118 is already occupying the stationary location before receiving the reservation directions. A “stationary location” may be a parking location. “Parking” is typically understood to be location where a vehicle is temporarily left with its engine off, or if not self-powered, left without means of movement. Mobile units may be “parked” along city streets or in publicly accessible areas, such as parking lots. Mobile units are typically “parked” for limited durations of time, typically a matter of hours, but the durations can be as small as minutes or larger than even weeks. However, a location can also be stationary, such as might occur when a mobile unit is stopped at a traffic sign or when legally double-parked. “Temporary” is understood to be typically to be a duration of several minutes to several hours, although it may also be a matter of days or even weeks. “Occupation” is understood to mean filling a space or location so completely that another vehicle or entity is unable to fill that space. In the case of drone aircraft or boats, these vehicles may need to be powered with engines running to maintain a stationary location. In other aspects, the site table 103 has an interface for assigning locations to a mobile unit, prior to its selection, and the site table 103 is updated to list mobile units after being positioned at their assigned locations. Otherwise, the mobile unit 118 may be directed to a stationary location after the location is selected by a user.
In one aspect, the mobile unit 118 includes a control subsystem (see
Other exemplary ground-based mobile unit types include conventional cars, trucks, and portable signs, as explained above. Some explicit examples include a mobile kitchen or food truck (
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In some aspects the site table 103 cross-references publically accessible stationary locations to types of mobile units 118 using a platform subsystem 126 and mobile unit type table 128. Mobile unit types may be differentiated based upon whether they are capable of movement on the ground, air, or water. Within these categories the units may be graded on size or prestige value. In the ground category for example, users may be permitted to select between cars, luxury cars, and trucks. Or, within the air category, users may be permitted to select between small drones, large drones, fixed wing aircraft, or air yacht. Likewise, different types of boats may be available.
The site table subsystem 102 may incorporate an interface to accept requests such as the addition of a suggested stationary location to the site table, the addition of a suggested mobile unit to the site table, or the addition of a suggested stationary location cross-referencing a suggested mobile unit to the site table. If the suggestions are accepted, the site table 103 is updated in response to the requests.
In another aspect, the system 100 includes a targeting subsystem 130 with a valuation table 132. The value may be linked to a reward based upon location, mobile unit type, the projection of media, the type of media (if projected), time, or a combination of these variables, to name a few variables. Rewards may be issued to entities associated with the mobile unit and/or the system 100.
The weighted values may be associated with reward calculation based upon the selected stationary location. In addition to location, the reward calculation may also be responsive to considerations such as time, media message, local environment, and media unit type. As noted above, local environment factors may be measured and reported back to the targeting subsystem. The factors may include consideration outside the scope, or incorrectly perceived by geo-fencing, or may be temporary conditions (a blocked street or an unexpected crowd of people).
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The media message subsystem of
Alternatively, or in addition, the media message subsystem cross-references locally stored media messages to mobile units storing the messages. In another aspect, the mobile unit 118 may be equipped with a printed screen image that is not easily updated, and in this case the selection of a particular message automatically selects the media unit associated with the non-updatable message. Alternatively, a digital display unit may be tasked with presented locally stored media if there is a communication problem preventing the downloading of media messages. Optionally, the media message subsystem may accept media message selections from a user permitting the user to add (e.g., upload) a media message to the media message subsystem (122,
Typically, the mobile unit 118 further comprises a location subsystem 508 having an output on line 502 to supply a geographic location of the mobile unit. Examples of a location subsystem 508 include a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system receiver, assisted GPS taking advantage of cell tower data, a Wireless Local Area Network IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) positioning system, cell-site multilateration, satellite multilateration, or a hybrid positioning system. Hybrid positioning systems find locations using several different positioning technologies, such as GPS, combined with cell tower signals, wireless internet signals, Bluetooth sensors, IP addresses, and network environment data. Cell tower signals have the advantage of not being hindered by buildings or bad weather, but usually provide less precise positioning. WiFi positioning systems may give very exact positioning in urban areas with high WiFi density, depending on a comprehensive database of WiFi access points. Further, a LORAN type system or LoJack® type system might be adapted for the purpose of location determination. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 10,796,340, which is incorporated herein by reference, camera images and the location data of proximate smartphones, laptops, and personal communication devices can also be used to determine location.
Optionally, the mobile unit 118 may further comprise a verifier, or verification subsystem, 510 with an interface on line 502. Here, the verifier 510 is enabled as a software application stored in local non-transitory memory 512, including processor executable instructions to receive location directions, media enablement signal, an identification code, and the geographic location, to supply verification information responsive to the direction and media enablement acknowledgements, the identification code, the geographic location. The determination of location may involve determining if the media unit is stationary or in motion, or durations of time the mobile unit is stationary or in motion. Alternatively, at least some components of the verifier 510 may be enabled in hardware.
The mobile unit 118 typically includes a communications subsystem 514. The communications subsystem 514 has an interface on line 502 to accept verification information, an interface to receive instructions, and an interface to communicate the verification information. As shown, the communications subsystem 514 is in communication with network 114. The most typical examples of a wireless communication subsystem 514 are cellular systems (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)-time division duplexing (TDD), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 4th Generation (4G), or 5th Generation (5G)), and the like. Less typically, the communications subsystem 514 may be enabled with WLAN IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), or even Long Range Wireless transceiver. Some examples of a Long Range Wireless system include Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Evolution-data Optimized (EVDO), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), IEEE 802.20 (iBurst), Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), Muni WiFi, commercial satellite, and IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX (WiBro)). As another alternative, the communication subsystem may store verification information and other communication messages in the system local memory 512 as data 516, which may be periodically downloaded using a wireless or hardwire connection. The mobile unit 118 is not limited to any particular type of communication subsystem.
Optionally, the communication subsystem 514 may further comprise a publically accessible transceiver such as a cellular telephone or Internet local booster 520, an access point (AP) 518 selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) AP, an IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) AP, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, but less common, the access point may an IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee, WPAN IEEE 802.15 Li-Fi or wireless USB device. Even more unlikely as an access point are Long Range Wireless systems. As used herein, a “publically accessible” is a system that can be accessed by the general public without a password or similar security measures, or where the password is publically distributed. One example of a publically accessible AP is the WiFi hotspot service provided by a typical Starbucks coffee shop. In the case of a password being required for access, the password may be printed on the mobile platform, displayed by the media projection subsystem, or made available through a media projection phone application or website.
In one aspect, the access point and/or communications subsystem can be used to collect data from entities passing by, or engaging with the access point or using the communications subsystem. This data can be stored in local memory 512 for subsequent recovery or transmission to the server in support of data gathering or geo-fencing data. In support of data mapping, the access point is publically accessible to user devices that include smartphones, personal devices, or generally any type of computing device. Typically, the user devices are enabled for WiFi and Bluetooth communications. If left enabled, as is the typical case for many users, the user device is able to interact with a nearby access point even if a communication data link is not established. As used herein, the term data mapping includes the collection of data from the user devices. In one aspect, user data information (e.g., addresses) is collected voluntarily, with the user explicitly agreeing to data collection in response to an access point provided services, such as the provision of an Internet browser, email, Internet, or social media services. For example, if the access point is a WiFi hotspot that accepts Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address requests from a user device (e.g., a smartphone), the URL address requests may be transmitted to a Domain Name System (DNS) service embedded with the computer system hosting the system of
As noted above, the communications subsystem may include a signal booster 520, such as a device provided by WeBoost, or a similarly functioning proprietary device. The booster may act as a relay between a proximately located user cellular device 522 and a cellular network (i.e., base station or satellite). In other aspects, a signal booster 520 acts to relay Internet signals, such as might be useful when employed with the StarLink or similar Internet service, as the StarLink ground units require an uninterrupted view of the sky (i.e., view of the StarLink satellites) For example, the mobile unit may be positioned in areas of weak cellular coverage. Using the site selection and targeting components mentioned above, mobile media units can be directed to, and rewarded for established cellular boosters in poor coverage areas. Improved cellular coverage necessary improves Internet and WiFi services carried by the cellular service.
In the case of a mobile unit independently selecting its location, the mobile unit 118 may incorporate a targeting subsystem 524 to support the selection of stationary locations, which may have corresponding location values. As shown, the targeting subsystem 524 is enabled as software application stored in local memory 512. In some variations the targeting subsystem may be enabled with hardware, or even as a manual hardcopy list. The listed stationary locations may be associated with rewards provided to an entity. The entities involved may include the entity managing the system of
The mobile unit 118 may include a camera 526 to record images of the geographic location proximate to the media unit. The camera images may be stored in local memory 512, or the communications subsystem 514 may transmit the images. In one aspect, the camera may also be used to modify the value of the target location. For example, the recorded traffic in a location may be greater than anticipated, and the weighted value adjusted accordingly. That is, images recording higher pedestrian or vehicular traffic may indicate, at least temporarily, a greater location value. The data may be used to help determine the efficacy of the media or location. Alternatively or in addition, the camera images my act to verify that the media projector subsystem 130 has been enabled, media unit movement, or lack thereof, or identification of a particular location. In one aspect, simply recording a change in images, and thus proximate traffic, can be used as a means for proving media projector subsystem enablement. As an alternative, or in addition to the camera, the system may further comprise a proximity detector subsystem to sense nearby motion, or to measure the density of proximate vehicular or foot traffic, which data is transmitted by the communications subsystem or recorded in local memory.
As noted in the description of
In Step 702 a site table lists a plurality of publically accessible stationary locations. In one aspect, the stationary locations are parking locations. In another aspect, the site table cross-references publically accessible stationary locations to types of mobile units. Alternatively or in addition, the site table may cross-reference stationary locations to weighted values. In Step 704 the site table accepts stationary location selection requests. In Step 706 the site table supplies location reservation directions to a mobile unit, to a selected location. In Step 708 a mobile unit accepts reservation directions and occupies the selected location in Step 710. The mobile unit may be a self-powered vehicle, towable vehicle, portable station, ground vehicle, nautical vehicle, or airborne vehicle. In Step 712 the mobile unit determines (verifies) its geographic location, and in Step 714 the mobile unit transmits the geographic location and an acknowledgement that the mobile unit occupies the selected location.
In one aspect, the site table sends possession instructions in Step 716 for a first mobile unit receiving direction instructions. Possession of the first mobile unit occurs in Step 718 in response to the occupation instructions. In Step 720 the mobile unit transmits an acknowledgement that possession of the mobile unit has occurred. In one variation, subsequent to possession of the first mobile unit, Step 722 permits movement of the mobile unit to a new location. Alternatively, the mobile unit leaves the reserved location upon the arrival of the user making the location request, so that the location can be occupied by another mobile unit.
In another variation, the site table assigns stationary locations to mobile units in Step 701a, prior to their selection in Step 704. Subsequent to a first mobile unit occupying an assigned stationary location in Step 710, in Step 715 the site table is updated to list the first mobile unit as being positioned at the assigned location. In a related variation, the site table accepts requests in Step 701c such as the addition of a suggested stationary location to the site table, the addition of a suggested mobile unit to the site table, or the addition of a suggested stationary location cross-referencing a suggested mobile unit to the site table. In Step 702 the site table is updated in response to requests.
In one aspect, the mobile unit transceives publically accessible communications in Step 721a using a device such as a cellular telephone local booster, Internet booster, an access point (AP) selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) AP, an IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) AP, or combinations thereof. In another aspect, in Step 721b the mobile units projects media messages using a media projection subsystem.
In one variation, the site table receives a message from a mobile unit in Step 701b indicating the occupation of an independently selected stationary location. Then in Step 702, the site table is updated to list the addition of the independently selected stationary location.
In one aspect, a scouting subsystem in Step 701d determines the occupation status of stationary locations and reports the occupation status to the site table. Then in Step 702 the site table is updated to list the occupation status of the stationary locations. In another aspect, the mobile unit transmitting the geographic location in Step 714 includes transmitting local environmental data such as images, sounds, weather, odors, photodetection, chemical analysis, wireless spectrum analysis, wireless service traffic analysis, radioactivity analysis, air quality analysis, or combinations thereof. Then in Step 702, then the weighted values are modified in response to the local environmental data.
Systems and methods have been provided for mobile unit location reservations. Examples of particular message structures, schematic block linkages, and hardware units have been presented to illustrate the invention. However, the invention is not limited to merely these examples. Other variations and embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art.
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